The Look of a Winner

Chafing isn't the main problem with today's performance apparel. Hype is. Anybody can slap some acronyms on a synthetic T-shirt and make it sound high-tech. But producing something that will actually help you run harder, ride faster, and last longer is a much more elusive (and costly) pursuit. That's why we whipped up this hype-repellent garment guide. We polled the experts--the ultramarathoner who stops running only when he passes out; the mountain biker who lands no-handed jumps; and the windsurfer who braves 30-foot swells--and then handpicked 12 of the best new pieces for 2005. Your ultimate workout wardrobe starts here.

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1. STAY DRY LONGER

Synthetic fibers are great at wicking moisture, but the material and the knit can feel harsh against the skin, says Brian Metzler, editor and associate publisher of Adventure Sports Magazine. Translation: You can wear them only so long before they rub you raw. This shirt won't hold you back: The ultralight weave leaves little room for moisture to hang out, and the one-strand construction means no loose ends to scratch your skin. At 3.4 ounces, it's almost half the weight of a Hanes Beefy T T-shirt. Arc'Teryx Ether crewneck t-shirt, $45. www.arceryx.com

This ultralight, wind-resistant cycling jacket is designed to hug your body no matter what position you're in. "Some jackets are just made for sitting in the saddle," says Metzler. "But this one stays taut on your torso when you're standing up, hunching over to round a tight corner, or leaning forward on the handlebars." Pearl Izumi OpTik jacket, $75. pearlizumi.com

4. LIBERATE YOUR LIMBS

Make clothes for a mannequin, as most apparel companies do, and you'll get great garments for standing still. Adidas used 3-D modeling to sculpt its ForMotion line of clothing to match your body's shape midexercise, so the pieces won't tug on your arms and legs as you move. Adidas Supernova ForMotion shorts, $45, and long-sleeved T-shirt, $60. adidas.com

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5. TAME SADDLE RASH

There's a reason cyclists grease up before a race: Bike shorts can cause chafing where they meet your skin. The elastic chamois pad in these bib shorts actually stretches with your body as you pedal. "That way, the pad slides against the outside of the shorts, not your skin," says William Strickland, executive editor of Bicycling magazine. Assos T FI.13 bike shorts, $275. assos.com

6. STOW SMARTER

Hydration packs are too bulky for some trips--whether you're trail running or trying to slip the hooch past security. No problem with this vest. The reservoir is lashed inside the garment's rear panel by a holsterlike harness, keeping the contents slim and snug. Victorinox Toba Hydration vest, $195. swissarmy.com

7. ADAPT TO ANY DAY

Transition clothing helps bridge the gap between two temperature zones. When the sun starts cooking on a morning run or ride, just unzip this jacket's sleeves and stow them neatly in the lumbar pocket. RLX Defender jacket, $225. polo.com

8. PLAY HARDER

Heat rash starts when your armpits can't breathe through nylon or polyester. This sleeveless tee, our favorite for scorching-hot days, has breathable mesh zones built into the underarms to help them pump out heat. Nike Pro Vent Loose Sleeveless crewneck t-shirt, $30. nike.com

9. STIFLE STORMS

Some all-weather jackets feel like wax paper. The Gore-Tex WindStopper panels that make up this jacket are welded with tape on the outer shell, leaving the inside buttery soft and seamless. the north Face Welded Omega jacket, $300. thenorthface.com

Dunk this cooling vest in cold water before heading out for a run or ride and you could get a better workout: A 2003 study at the University of Georgia found that 5-K times dropped significantly when runners wore similar vests during their warmups. Puma Body Cooler, $180. puma.com

12. BUILD THE BEST BASE

The most impor-tant base layer is the one that coddles your boys. Our three picks: Pro Player's briefs ($15, www.proplayer.com) use flat-seam construction to tame rough edges; Craft's Pro Cool boxers ($25, craft-usa.com) have heat-releasing side mesh panels to keep you dry; and SmartWool's merino boxer briefs ($40, smartwool.com) soak up water without stinking, thanks to wool's natural antimicrobial properties.

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